Traveling – Page 2

10 Great Destinations in France Every Food Lover Should Visit

There is no denying that France is a trendy country for local and international tourists. Aside from that, French cuisine has permeated all parts of the world.

This explains why many food lovers would want to have the chance to take a tour around the major food destinations in France.

To help food lovers fulfill their dream and plan out their foodie France trip, here are ten great food destinations in France that are worth a visit:

Dijon

Dijon is a city in France that you probably know most for its much-beloved brand of mustard. This city that people know for mustard should be a good indication that it’s a must-visit place for food-lovers, even if you’re not a fan of mustard.

Dijon has all sorts of other food products that you’re going to want to try. Chocolate and black currant liqueurs (crème de cassis) are great in Dijon, but you should also try gingerbread and vinegar from there.

If you’re going to be shopping for local produce, you have to go to Les Halles Market.

Grenoble

In southeastern France lies the picturesque city of Grenoble. The Alps lovingly surround Grenoble, so it also has the name of the Capital of the Alps.

Aside from the majestic mountains around this beautiful city, Grenoble also has some distinct local cuisine that you can enjoy. This is due to its unique Swiss and Italian influence permeating to their food.

A delicious helping of Ravioles du Dauphiné is an almost decadent treat that will surely fill you up. Speaking of a treat, you should have a taste of the Chartreuse liqueur, a French liqueur that the Carthusian Monks prepare themselves.

Lille

The fascinating city of Lille is rich with historical and cultural significance, and you can find it in the northern region of France. You can even enjoy a walk down history by looking at many of the architectural designs present in the city.

All that walking should rack up quite an appetite from you. Luckily, there are tons of local cuisine that you should have in Lille.

Since Lille used to be a Flemish territory, there are bound to be influences present in the local cuisine.

An incredibly hearty and delicious meal that you should have would be the carbonnade de boeuf. It is best paired with delicious beer, which they also used to cook the beef.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a UNESCO-protected port city in the southwest of France, famous for being the home of many world-class vintages.

A great pair with the many wines in Bordeaux is a lamb dish called the Agneau de Pauillac.

You can also enjoy a local Bordeaux pastry for dessert lovers that you won’t find outside the region, which is the Puits d’Amour. This pastry is dough topped with crème Chiboust. It’s bite-sized and a nice treat.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the capital of the northeastern region of France, known as the Grand Est region. What’s unique about this city is that it has a strong German influence in the city, creating a unique, Franco-German culture.

If you plan on traveling to Paris in winter, make sure that you stop by Strasbourg. Many delicacies are a perfect pair to warm you up on a chilly winter day or night. For example, some sauerkraut paired with a lovely Gewürztraminer is a delicacy you won’t have and shouldn’t have anywhere else but in Strasbourg.

It would be a mistake to go to Strasbourg without trying out one of their most famous local cuisines: the Flammekueche. The Flammekueche looks a lot like a pizza, but it’s real bread, with curdled milk, bacon, and onions on top.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a port city by the Bay of Biscay located in the southwest of France. Since it’s right by the Atlantic Ocean, you can expect local food to be all about seafood.

With that said, a popular meal originating from La Rochelle is the traditional dish of Mouclade. It’s mussels that you cook in white wine, some curry spice, cream, and saffron.

It’s delicious and fresh since there are plenty of local mussel farms nearby.

Reims

Another city in the Grand Est region of France that has terrific local food is Reims. It is also the most populous city in the area.

Around Reims, you can enjoy plenty of fine tasting Champagne, especially since this is the Champagne region. However, for foodies, there are also foods that you can’t miss.

Jambon de Reims is a local version of the ham dish that is Jambon Persillé, and it’s good either as an appetizer or if you’re looking for a light meal.

If you want to have some pastries, you have to try the biscuit rose de Reims. The distinct rose color gave it its name and is perfect with a side of tea. Traditionally, they even dip this biscuit in a glass of champagne or red wine.

Paris

We all know what Paris is, but the sights there aren’t the only world-class things worth visiting.

The pastries there are great with a cup of coffee. You have macarons, croissants, baguettes, and more. Besides pastries, you can also have some duck confit, a delicious meal, but quite hard to find in Paris.

Steak Frites is another popular meal to have in Paris, which is excellent for a classic Parisian dinner.

Lyon

Lyonnaise cuisine is a food culture that people from Lyon are proud of, which is why you need to stop by and try them.

There are too many Lyonnaise cuisines worth trying. But if you’re looking for the quintessential, typical meals, you can try Coq au vin, chicken in wine sauce.

Quenelles are groundfish dumplings and are one of the most typical Lyonnaise cuisines that you should have.

Toulouse

Toulouse is said to be the home of French comfort food, which is why it would be a mistake not to take your time touring through their cuisine.

An example of an excellent Toulouse cuisine is the Cassoulet, which is a bean casserole with all sorts of meat, like local sausages and duck confit.

Tarte aux noix is a dessert that you can enjoy along with a scoop of ice cream. If you want, you can also eat it by itself or with a cup of tea.

Any food lover would want to go to France because of the world-class wineries, and unique and local produce turned meals. If you happen to stop by this lovely country, make sure to visit the cities listed above and enjoy the many facets of French cuisine.

So Many Options: What Are the 10 Types of Schools to Send Your Kids To?

Modern-day education allows parents to choose what type of school is best for their child. Many factors go into this choice, including income, accessibility, and the child’s talents and interests. These ten options are available in most states and districts.

1. Public schools

Public schools are just that—available to the public. They receive funding from all government levels and, in return, are required to accept all students living within specific boundaries. If you are not comfortable with the area’s school system, you may want to enrol your child in an international school like The Perse School Singapore.

2. Neighborhood schools

Neighborhood schools are a subset of public schools, servicing the children in specific neighborhoods. Some local schools have such a good reputation that parents will move to send their child to that school, where they can walk to school and neighborhood friends will be their classmates.

3. Specialized public schools

Many school districts now offer schools with specialized curriculums or features typically not available at public schools. These features may include:

Emphasis on a particular subject matter or activity
More-challenging studies for high performers
A higher level of individual attention for struggling students
Dress code and stricter discipline for behaviorally challenged children
Non-traditional environment for students who cannot adapt to traditional public schooling

These schools are typically smaller and more comfortable environments for students.

4. Charter schools

Charter schools are one form of specialized public schools. They often operate outside of the parameters that guide traditional public schools and provide the students with an environment rich in creativity, innovation, and exploration. Since they are still considered public schools, charter schools are held accountable to the state and local education departments’ standards.

5. Magnet schools

Another type of specialized public school is the magnet school, available to students throughout the district interested in a specific subject matter. Some magnet schools may require students to take an entrance exam to confirm their talent while others accept students with just an interest. Magnet schools often concentrate on the performing arts, science, or technology.

6. Special education schools

Special education public schools focus on providing an adapted curriculum and a safe environment for children with multiple conditions such as hearing- and sight-impaired, mental challenges, physical disabilities, emotional challenges, and other issues. For these children, non-specialized public education is difficult, if not impossible.

7. Virtual schools

Many students across the United States have started the 2020-2021 school year attending virtual schools. The curriculum mirrors that of the traditional public school with the only difference being the technology component.

Some school districts offer virtual or distance learning continually, just not in a time of crisis. It may be a full- or part-time curriculum with the student’s individual needs in mind.

8. Advanced Placement courses

High-performing students are often able to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The content is demanding and ends with a national AP exam. A good grade on this exam may result in college credit being granted.

9. Nonpublic schools

Some parents choose to send their children to nonpublic or private schools. Income and accessibility are factors involved in choosing to send a child to a private school. Can the parents afford it? Is there a school nearby?

Religious private schools make up most nonpublic schools, allowing children to learn per the parents’ religious beliefs. Secular private schools have no religious affiliation and often prepare the student for college. Other secular private schools are known for their name and reputation, such as Montessori.

10. Home schools

Homeschooling has been growing in popularity in the last several years. Parents have the option of designing the curriculum and training materials or purchasing resources supplied by home school companies. In the end, the students must meet requirements set by the state and local education departments.

Although having multiple schooling choices can be overwhelming, having the ability to provide your child with an education targeted to their needs is a huge benefit. Research the options available in your area and choose the best option for your child.

The Phenomenon of Micro-Apartments: The Rising Trend in City Living

Micro-apartments are a form of smaller housing that usually ranges between 150 and 400 square feet. Aiming to combine necessity with functionality, these types of apartments provide all the essential amenities one might need in the smallest space possible. And even though micro-apartments are still a relatively new concept, they are slowly becoming the most popular accommodation option, especially among younger generations. To that end, here are some reasons why micro-apartments have become a rising trend in city living:

The importance of a prime city location

What micro-apartments lack in square footage, they often make up for in their proximity to prime locations. As this type of accommodation can usually be found in major cities across the globe, micro-apartments tend to be located in more urban and densely populated areas that generally don’t provide a lot of space, only at a more affordable price for the average tenant. What’s more, an increasing number of renters, especially younger ones who have just started living on their own, are more likely to sacrifice space, as long as that entails close proximity to schools, business centers, and other lifestyle aspects of urban areas that allow them to enjoy a life in the city. This could be one of the reasons why micro-apartments are so trendy among generations that value convenience over luxury.

The need for more affordable housing

The standard of living has typically decreased for younger generations in recent years, which might be one of the biggest reasons why micro-apartments are gaining popularity. Of course, the monthly cost of renting a micro-apartment can vary widely depending on the country, the city, and even the particular area of the city where the housing is located. However, the monthly rent is generally between 70% and 80% the price of a typical, conventionally sized apartment in the same area. This difference becomes more apparent and much more important in large American cities such as Washington DC, New York, and San Francisco, where a micro-apartment becomes the only affordable housing option for younger generations.

Unique serviced apartment experiences

Smaller apartments aren’t just a popular living arrangement; they’re also becoming one of the trendiest options when it comes to travel accommodation, whether it’s a short trip or an extended stay. For instance, businessmen and digital nomads traveling through Asia for work obligations typically opt for Hong Kong serviced apartments when they visit this major business center. The reason for this increasing popularity is not only the convenient location that serviced apartments tend to offer, but also the comfort, privacy, and a homely feel, which make for a more pleasant and unique travel experience. As many of these serviced apartments also include communal areas, such as lounges, kitchens, and workspaces, they can be suitable for anything from socializing to effortlessly taking care of essential business obligations.

Choosing efficient design over luxury

Considering the fact that renters are increasingly looking for new and fully furnished properties that align with their aspirational lifestyles, it’s no surprise that micro-apartments are becoming a rising trend. And as these tenants generally choose a creative and efficient design that offers everything they need over the luxury of wasted space, such as basements, garages, and additional rooms, smaller living spaces become the best possible solution. The limited square footage of micro-apartments means that the interior design needs to be carefully planned and thought out in advance, offering perfectly placed, essential furniture, as well as innovative storage and other space-saving solutions. Evidently, the mere nature of small apartments caters to the minimal lifestyle favored among younger generations.

A sustainable accommodation option

With the need for a simpler, more minimalist lifestyle also come more ethical and sustainable practices. Living in a small space means that there’s not enough room for excess, unnecessary belongings, which leads micro-apartment renters to reduce their need to purchase and consume resources, but rather find new ways to be more environmentally conscious. As a number of micro-apartments are also incorporated in different co-living spaces that share communal areas such as living rooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and entertainment spaces, this also means that the total amount of water and energy consumed is significantly smaller compared to conventional living arrangements, making for a more sustainable and eco-friendly housing option.

Evidently, the current housing and lifestyle trends are heavily influenced by younger people aiming for a simpler, more convenient, and more affordable living arrangement. And considering the fact that living in a micro-apartment provides all the advantages of living in an urban city, without any staggering costs, it’s safe to assume that the small living trend will only continue to rise in the future.

Eco-Travel: 8 Ways to Have a Green Family Vacation

It’s always fun to travel with your family, despite all the logistical issues that you have to overcome.

You have a lot more people to share the joy that you encounter during your trip, and you bond over your memories together. However, since many people are traveling with you, you are more likely to create waste in your journey.

If you’re the type of person who likes to prioritize sustainability when traveling, you might want to look for ways to go with your family without compromising your principles.

Luckily, it’s quite easy to have a green family vacation. Here are eight ways you can have that sustainable family vacation that you want:

Select a green destination

One of the best ways you can have a sustainable family vacation is by being particular about your destination.

When choosing your destination, look for places that are active in terms of their environmental sustainability. That way, you are supporting a site that cares for the environment.

Portugal is one destination that is active in terms of their approach to sustainable tourism in the country. Ecuador is another lovely destination that is also proactive in the protection of their natural habitats.

If you’re planning on going on a family vacation, consider going to these countries and support their causes.

Try to pack light

Whenever you’re packing for a trip, you should try and pack a few items to bring with you.

Packing light will help you have an easier time while in transit. Plus, you can also avoid incurring additional fees at the airport because your bag is not within their weight limit.

Aside from that, packing light affects how much carbon emissions your aircraft is going to emit, whether you are flying commercial or making use of one of the private jet cards programs out there and flying in the utmost comfort and style. The heavier the plane, the more carbon emissions it creates. Therefore, when you’re buying luggage, you should be conscious of how big it is to learn to limit yourself to the number of items that you can bring.

When you’re buying your luggage, it will be best if you purchase luggage sets so that you save money while you’re at it. These sets come with the carry-on baggage anyway, so you should get an entire collection, especially if you travel often.

Bring reusable items

Another way you can remain sustainable when traveling with your family is by using or bringing more usable items with you.

Bringing reusable items ensures that you don’t consume products that will end up becoming waste. You reduce the amount of plastic that you and your family leave behind when you are on vacation.

Each person should have their reusable water bottle as well as cutleries so that they don’t have to use plastic ones when they’re traveling. These reusable items can even come in biodegradable containers depending on which ones you buy.

Once you use these items, you can wash them, and they’ll be good as new.

Stay in eco-friendly accommodation

Looking for eco-friendly accommodations is also a way you can travel sustainably with your family.

If you’re booking a hotel, you can ask if they have or implement a green program where guests can learn how to be more environmentally-friendly while traveling. Or you can opt for Airbnb accommodation.

If you don’t manage to find any eco-friendly accommodations, you can apply green practices yourself.

For example, you should turn off everything in your room if you’re not using them. Asking your hotel room to reduce the times they replace your towels is also one way to be more environmentally conscious while staying at a hotel.

Use public transportation

As much as possible, try and use public transportation when you are in a new destination.

Using a private vehicle to travel creates a lot of gas emissions for only a few passengers. On the other hand, mass transit has a better ratio of fuel usage and gas emissions created per passenger.

Support local businesses

Supporting local businesses will help you be more eco-friendly during your vacation. For example, you can buy souvenirs from a small shop or eat at local restaurants.

Local businesses don’t use massive amounts of natural resources to maintain their business, so it’s more eco-friendly to support locals.

Research green and eco-activities

Make sure that the vacation activities you’ll do are sustainable. For example, you should avoid places that let you ride on elephants.

You can do your research online and see which ones in your destination are the least damaging to the environment and local wildlife.

Leave No Trace

No matter what you do, keep your trash in your body if there is no available trash bin anywhere. It would be even better if you find a way to recycle the garbage that you produce.

Also, keeping reusable items helps you to reduce the amount of waste that you create.

Final Thoughts

You can still sustainably travel even if you bring your family with you during a vacation. All you need is to prepare well before your trip.

Educating your family members will also help you travel sustainably.

In the meantime, you can try out the ways listed above so you can get started on having a green family vacation soon enough.

Tips for Planning an Amazing Road Trip Adventure

One of the most exciting adventures you can have is going on a road trip. Still, in order to make the most of it, you simply have to have a good plan. This includes choosing the route, possibly renting the vehicle (consider Limo Find), choosing the destination, making the itinerary, packing all the necessary gear, etc. This is especially true if you’ve never been on a road trip before.

A road trip can be taken pretty much at any time of the year, which means you have all the freedom to choose whenever suits you best. After all, freedom from having to stick to a plan somebody else made is the foundation of an experience that is a road trip. So, how should you prepare?

Packing list

Just like you make a list of the things you need to take on a regular holiday, you need to do the same when preparing for a road trip. However, this list is a bit longer. You should not forget to bring enough food that doesn’t need to be kept in the fridge, sufficient quantities of water, as well as gadgets, such as a camera, GPS, and appropriate chargers.

Also, you need a first-aid kit, toilet paper and other essentials that you wouldn’t pack if you were going to stay in a hotel. Make sure you have the right kind of clothes for the weather and don’t forget that you might need to sleep outdoors, so a sleeping bag is actually a good idea. And, bear in mind that your car also needs a few road trip accessories that can make a lot of difference and keep you out of uncomfortable situations.

Decide on your route

It’s crucial you make a solid, realistic plan when it comes to your itinerary and the distances you plan to cover. Make sure you have enough time to stop for rest and to enjoy the scenery or a town along the way. Another important thing to consider is definitely the weather. You may live in a warm area, but just a few hours’ drives from your home you might face totally different conditions, so make sure you and your vehicle are ready for such challenges.

Road safety first

Probably the most important thing when it comes to your road trip is to have a reliable and safe vehicle. It goes without saying that you need to have your car regularly serviced and have an extra service done before your trip. Another recommendation coming from the experts is to get your car insurance. It pays off to ask for car insurance quotes and choose the one that will suit your needs best. Knowing your options and all the details can save you a lot of worry and money. That way you`ll be covered and safe if something unforeseen happens.

Allow time for changes

Ideally, you should give yourself some extra time when planning a trip, in case you decide to take a detour or have a change of heart at the last moment. Remember that you are only responsible for yourself and your company, so if you wish to change the original plan, feel free to do so. Obsessing over a route and simply rushing just to make sure you stick to it will make you focus more on the plan than the experience and you just won’t be able to enjoy your trip.

Embrace nature on your trip

Taking a road trip with your family gives you an excellent opportunity to see new places and enjoy the great outdoors. You can also use that dull time while traveling from one place to another to seek ways to connect to nature. Utilize that time to explore interesting regions, soak up the sun and fresh air, play games with your kids, and learn about plants and wildlife.

Who to travel with?

Your traveling companions can make the difference between a road trip from hell and the most memorable journey ever. Everyone onboard needs to expect to spend quite a lot of time in the car, sometimes hours on end, and if they aren’t ready for that challenge, they shouldn’t come along.

A road trip can really be a great experience for everyone involved, but it can easily turn into a nightmare if you don’t plan it well. On the other hand, if you are ready, chances are you’ll have one of the best holidays in your life and you’ll start planning your next road trip as soon as this one ends!